Admiral Mike Mullen, US military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, has called for fostering a sustained relationship with Pakistan, saying Washington has an obligation to the security of the region it abandoned two decades ago. Mullen appreciated Islamabad’s response to terrorism, adding the Pakistani leadership, military and its people recognised the terrorist threat. Speaking at the National Press Club, he acknowledged that Pakistan had deployed 30,000 troops against Taliban in South Waziristan but also underlined the toughness of the challenge there. “It’s a very tough fight; they are going into the heart of enemy territory. I think it’s going to continue to be tough, but he (Army chief Gen Ashfaq Kayani), and the leadership, clearly recognise the seriousness of the situation.”

The American Military Chief made special note of the importance of Pakistan’s concerns about India.

His remarks on Pakistan’s concerns about India also reflect a realisation in Washington that no US persuasion can force Islamabad to disregard the Indian threat, whether perceived or real.

“They’re still very concerned about India. That’s not going to go away overnight and we’re not going to wish that away,” said the admiral.

The dust has clearly settled around the KL bill controversy, and it is time to move on and strengthen our bonds and partnership with US military so that Pakistan’s military has access to the resources it needs to defend the security of our nation.